Your guide to brunch in the city
Brunch. A quintessential and yet seemingly controversial weekend activity. On the one hand, brunch is a delicious excuse to get together with your BFFs and spill the tea you’ve been accumulating all week (over mimosas, of course). On the other hand, brunch usually means long waits, big bills, and influencers galore. Whether you love it, hate it, or just think it’s overrated, everyone seems to have an opinion about brunch. In this issue, we explore the diverse world of brunch and provide our candid thoughts on some of Toronto’s most popular spots.
For our final review of the year, we are very excited to feature our incredible outgoing EiCs and fellow brunch babes, Sabrina Macklai (2L JD/MI) and Annecy Pang (3L), as special guest reviewers.
The George Street Diner | 129 George St
Kaitlyn: If you prefer a classic eggs, sausage, and home fries diner brunch, then the George Street Diner is the place for you! George Street is one of the cheaper alternatives for brunch in Toronto. This place offers nothing too fancy—just a classic greasy, comforting diner breakfast with some Irish-themed options. I went with the breakfast burrito, which was filling, but could have used some extra flavour. The place itself was low-key and a bit on the small side (booths could only fit four people). There was a long line when we left, but the service was quick and friendly.
Pro tip: get there early to avoid a wait!
SCHOOL Restaurant | 70 Fraser Ave
Sabrina: Unfortunately, most law students’ breakfasts consist of the Faculty’s free coffee and a granola bar (if you’re lucky). On days you want to cosplay as a student Instagram influencer, I suggest heading to SCHOOL. The decor is perfect for the gram, the coffee is served hot, and the pancakes are the fluffiest in Toronto. I tried their apple crumble and blueberry pancakes, the latter of which they’re known for. Both were delicious and the perfect, sweet start to my morning. It’s a bit pricey but hey, at least SCHOOL’s tuition doesn’t require you to take out a loan (or two).
Top pick: Apple crumble cakes
White Lily Diner | 678 Queen St E
Shae: White Lily Diner takes a straightforward, laid-back approach to brekkie. At this quaint Riverside spot, a small menu makes the process of narrowing down your order easy. I kept it simple and ordered the White Lily Standard breakfast, which comes with two eggs, your choice of meat or mushrooms, hashbrowns, and toast. The eggs had bright orange yolks (which I think taste better than your average yellow yolks) and the sausage was flavourful and perfectly cooked. The portion size was just right, and left me with enough room to indulge in half a doughnut, which White Lily makes in-house. I’ll be back, even if just for the doughnuts.
Pro tip: I’d recommend a maximum party size of four people
Emma’s Country Kitchen | 810 St Clair Ave W
Lauren: When I heard that Emma’s Country Kitchen serves cinnamon bun pancakes, I immediately had to make the journey to St. Clair West to taste them for myself. However, when I arrived I was faced with the classic brunch dilemma—do I get something sweet, or something savoury? Thankfully, the folks at Emma’s have this figured out and offer a side order of cinnamon bun pancakes for indecisive people like myself who don’t want to choose between the two. As a bonus, Emma’s pays all their employees a living wage.
Top pick: Cinnamon bun pancakes
Old School | 800 Dundas St W
Sabrina: I’m sorry, but of the two school-themed breakfast joints, SCHOOL definitely has an edge. While SCHOOL made me feel like I was living out a classic American coming-of-age film, Old School sent me right back to my underfunded public school in the burbs. Everything felt a little too try-hard, from the mini cast-iron skillets they use to serve their pancakes to the uncomfy chairs that remind me of my undergrad’s examination hall. I tried their blueberry pancakes, which were alright, and their chicken and waffles, which unfortunately were drier than the admin’s response to UV’s article on their accommodations policy. Overall, I give it a P.
Pro tip: Don’t bring too many things (and watch what you say) as the tables are very close together
Maha’s Egyptian Brunch | 226 Greenwood Ave
Kaitlyn: Maha’s is definitely my top pick for brunch in Toronto. Yes, it always has a line, but trust me—it’s worth it! While it’s a little out of the way, we encourage everyone to get out of the downtown core once in a while. The service is quick and friendly, with a warm and welcoming vibe, but the real star of the show is the food. Their signature honey cardamom latte was the perfect balance of sweetness. The Egyptian falafel plate was delicious, with a soft boiled egg covered by a crispy falafel (still not sure how they made this work), and the Cairo Classic was flavourful and filling. I will definitely be back again soon to try more!
Top picks: Egyptian falafel and honey cardamom latte
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen | 85 Hanna Ave
Annecy: Mildred’s Temple Kitchen has been on my list for years but since it is located all the way in Liberty Village, I never went. This review was the perfect excuse. They’re known for their blueberry pancakes—fluffy and sweet. But I’m more of a savoury brunch gal and think the “Manhandler” stole the show. It’s their take on steak and eggs, served atop a slice of sourdough that soaks up the meat juices and paired with lightly dressed mixed greens. The bright, airy space practically begs you to drink mimosas and live your best influencer life. I went on a Thursday (because 3LOL) so it wasn’t too crowded but I heard the lines get long on weekends. Bring your appetite because the portions are hearty—we also ordered a biscuit and scone, and were in a food coma after.
Pro tip: you can get a single blueberry pancake on the side
OEB Breakfast Co | 125 E Liberty St
Shae: While it might be strange to pre-emptively review a brunch spot that hadn’t yet opened at the time of writing, OEB holds a special place in my heart. Originally from Calgary, OEB has gone from being a tiny single outpost to an international phenomenon. Thankfully, throughout their expansion, OEB has held on to their signature charm and high quality I came to know and love back in high school, where I’d spend my spares eating breakfast poutine in their OG location. When I heard OEB would be coming to Toronto, I was so excited to have a little piece of home here in the 6ix. Nostalgia aside, I can confidently say that OEB will be a welcome addition to the Toronto brunch scene, and I hope you try it—even if that means venturing into Liberty Village.
Top picks: Florentine benny or Meat-less to Say
